New BJ Craft Andrew Jesky Designed 2016 Nats winner Element thread
 

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-p...l#post12307023
Guys Dan Underkoffler started this thread on the RCU Pattern forum.
Mike Mueller

Put the first flight on my Element today, light cross wind so wasn't able to tell a lot, I set the CG on wing bolts and that seemed correct, I made it about 3 min before the canopy blew off, I was able to land without issue. Retrieved the canopy and it was caved in where it impacted the tail fin when departing. Inspection of the latch showed the canopy itself failed, the latch was still latched in the fuse and had pulled out of the canopy. It's all repairable but pretty disappointing for the first few min of flight.
I will add more air exit holes as the canopy obviously has to much pressure even with exit holes added as BJ recommends, probably will look into a different type latch. My canopy was the second one that departed today from an Element. I can't see myself fixing it and relying on same type latch that it comes with.

Unfortunately. This happened to me on the 13th flight of my Element. My canopy landed in a lake though and was unretrievable. Bj and Mike were both very helpful in getting the situation taken care of for me and quickly. I would suggest using a canopy latch from Mike at F3A. The part number is FH5006. I mounted it in the canopy so that the pin goes into the fuse. I also make a air exit hole in the rear of the canopy to allow air to escape the canopy. Haven't had a problem since. If this isn't a option for you I would suggest reinforcing where the canopy rod inserts into the fuse. That piece that holds it in the fuse up under the canopy is flexible which if a load is put on it it will release the tension holding it in. Simple fix. Sorry that you had this issue. Once you get it back on I'm sure you will love the airplane. I have about 100 flights on mine and truly enjoy the model.

Canopy
 

You can do this as well and it help with with forced air and keeping the air out of the canopy (see photo, clear covering). I've been doing this for many years now. Definitely take AC's advice on adding the additional canopy latches.

Bill H.

I have been using monocoat on the bottom of my BJ canopies and have used both Seacraft and the carbon fiber rod. My Inspire has the same latch mechanism as the Element and I have had no issues (over 400 flights). But I added the extra holes for exhaust, even with my Nuance, so no problems,

I have my Element set up with the BJ latch and packing tape on the canopy. I planning on maidening it this weekend

I agree with all the suggestions, I just wanted everyone to know you needed to be careful and make some adjustments if you plan to stay with the BJ latch. I obviously had too much internal air pressure causing the failure. I have chosen not to continue using the carbon rod and I have allfeady begun to install a pin type latch. I also added additional holes for exit. I will also use some form of covering on the bottom of the canopy, this will reduce the area of force and help reduce the pressure on the latch. With these fixes in place it will be good to go, I probably would fix the carbon rod system but the bottom on my canopy was damaged when the wood block departed. Switching to a pin is the easiest repair so that's how I'm going.
For the three or four min I flew it, it was nice it will be easy to make friends with it. I had 12 deg on elevator seemed bout right. I had about 13 deg on ail and that seemed quick to me but not sure, just not enough time on it. Snap ail were at 28 deg and that's fast, I will slow those down for sure. It seems to be great looking forward to getting some time on it.

I also used the F3A Cabin latch on my element, glued with hysol from loctite.

I have been using latches like latches like F3A Unlimited Deluxe ones on my planes for years. Very secure and no failure so far.

The other two anchor points on the canopy are either 1mm carbon fiber plate shaped like L or small nylon bolts.

Always glue these in place with hysol.

If you guys are using pletti motor, what rear mount are you using. Mike from F3a sells the wide mount and the narrow mount. Which one fits better

I used the AJ style mount on the front by adding 1/8 lite ply ring added on inside of nose, this works well if you use tapered type screw and counter sink a bit, use 3/16 spacers between the plywood and mount. This allows you to use a few washers to space the spinner as close as you want it . In the rear I used the F3A wide mount with too ears, it seems to work well and is an easy install.

Thanks Cliff

Thinking about getting the AJ Element.

How is the visibility?

How do the wings hold up in snaps with 20 to 25 degrees of aileron?

How long is the wing tube?

Thanks for any information ,

Memo

Depending on Scheme the airplane is very visible. The fuse is absolutely massively tall so very easy to see. After 130 or so flights with snaps being done every flight with 25 degrees of ailerons I would say the wings are fine. I doubt you can break this wings in a snap. No sure on how long the wing tube is but will measure tonight.

Thanks AC, I would like to know how long the wing tube is.
regards
Memo

The wing tube is 23 5/8" long, I have never seen nor heard of a failure with BJ's wings. I have snapped mine numerous times and while some like the 25 degree ail snap, it's to fast and difficult to hit the stop for me, I backed off to about 20 and snaps are still quick but more predictable.

Thanks Cliff,
I have ordered the Element from Mike.

I just added a cheap pin type latch on the canopy on my Invitation after the canopy fly off once. Haven't had a problem since.

I now have over 2 dozen flights on my Element with a Contra V4.

I am using the standard provided BJ carbon fiber rod, without any incidents.

I have added extra 2 exhaust holes on each of the 4 strings of holes. And I have covering on the bottom of the canopy.

I am really liking the way this plane flies. I have had a couple of Agenda's and this is definitely an improvement. Presents a whole lot better.

Bill

Hi Bill, I'm assembling an Element right now with the Brenner V4 as well, and was wondering if there are any issues getting the CG in the correct location with the relatively light drive unit and three servos in the tail?

On my Invitation I have the drive batteries (Hacker 4500mAh) all the way up against the motor (NEU with 3-blade prop) more or less, to get the CG where I want it, so I was thinking about moving the rudder servo to the center of the fuselage on the Element and use pull-pull wires as we used to do, but it will obviously be more work than just putting it in the tail where the designer planned to have it... I will be using 2 pcs. 25 gram S9071SB servos for the elevators and a 66 gram BLS175 on rudder.

Thanks.

Morten

I used BLS175 and BLS173 in the standard location. I have a Jeti Opti 95 mounted right at the back of the motor

My batteries (Zippy Compact 5800, Power Unlimited 6000, and 5100) range from 1100 to 1320g and are over the Landing Gear Block with lots of room for changing the CG, So I had no issue with balance.

Thanks Bill, much appreciated.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/electric-pattern-aircraft-385/11636635-new-bj-craft-a
 

Just purchased this model,and all the parts,and pieces.This electric technology is sure exciting,coming from the old days of ys engines,Olympian,and zeus models.Can you recommend a site that will help me to install and set up the "Element"

F3aunlimited.com

Hello

From Bondaero
"We can get your Element in pretty much any colour you want."

Looks like a Peter Collison scheme.